France still a top investment destination!

02 Jul 2014 | A region on the move

France remains Europe’s no. 3 destination for foreign direct investment projects, and is up from 17th to 10th spot worldwide in rankings of countries seen as attractive hosts for investment over the next three years

Two reports by independent observers list the most attractive countries for FDI (foreign direct investment) and underscore France’s potential. Results confirm observations published by the Invest in France Agency in March.

Ernst & Young Attractiveness Survey

Consultants Ernst and Young have just unveiled their attractiveness ratings for France in 2014, which show the country maintaining its third place Europe-wide in FDI. And with 514 foreign investment projects in 2013 compared with 471 in 2012, the downward trend observed since 2010 appears to have been reversed. With a fall in industrial capacity looming, France retains its appeal as a logistics hub and concentration of international headquarters and decision-makers. Executives interviewed cite energy, transport and digital technologies as the sectors driving growth.

A.T. Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index®

Consultants A.T Kearney see France gaining ground in the ranking of host countries that inspire confidence among foreign investors. Once again no. 3 in Europe, France ranks 10th among countries seen as attractive investment destinations for the three years ahead. This shows a marked rise, notes the survey, jumping from 17th over just two years (12th place in 2013).

Invest in France Agency Report

These rankings confirm the report published by IFA, the Invest in France Agency, just a few weeks back. It noted that France had won 685 new investment projects in 2013, creating or maintaining a total of 29,361 jobs. The same report cites a strong showing by Northern France, including an 81% rise in jobs created or maintained, from 1,514 in 2012 to 2,737, and a 17% rise in investment decisions, from 35 in 2012 to 41.

Strategically located at the crossroads of London, Paris and Brussels, Hauts-de-France Region welcomes businesses from around the world. From offices in the heart of this bustling region, our economic development agency Nord France Invest identifies, attracts and assists foreign companies looking to set up and grow their business here. Visit our website to learn more about the many advantages of Northern France and the sectors where we excel: rail, automotive, logistics, healthcare and nutrition, ICT, e-commerce, digital creation, green business, technical textiles and more.